Diagnosing a Liver Tumor in Dogs

A liver tumor in dogs involves one of two forms. A primary liver tumor originates in the liver. Metastatic cancer originates in other organs.

Symptoms
of each form of liver cancer often appear similar, but tests and
treatment options differ. It's important to know the different
symptoms, tests and treatment options for each.

General Symptoms Suggesting Liver Tumor in Dogs

In most cases of liver cancer, primary symptoms include:

Anemia

Breathing difficulties

Jaundice

Lack of appetite

Lethargy

Nausea and vomiting

Swollen abdomen

Weight loss

Because
other ailments share similar symptoms, it's important to seek
veterinary care for tests. The earlier a dog is seen for treatments,
the better the dog's prognosis.

Liver Tumor Tests Your Veterinarian Might Suggest

In the
veterinarian's office, your dog will undergo a physical exam. During
this exam, the vet will often palpate the abdomen to feel the size of
the liver and see if there are obvious lumps. X-rays and ultrasounds
may be required.

X-rays
of the chest provide great views of the liver. Your veterinarian will
generally take x-rays from all angles. CT scans and ultrasounds of the
abdomen also provide a clear picture of the tumors and how far they've
spread. Images will show how much the liver has expanded. Ultrasounds
and x-rays also help provide images of any fluid that has built up in
the chest cavity that can cause the breathing problems.

In
addition, blood will be drawn to check the blood count and get a blood
chemistry panel that checks the levels of electrolytes in the
bloodstream. The blood sample is also used to do a blood clotting test.
Veterinarians specifically look for the white cell count and the amount
of albumin, blood sugar and bilirubin. This presents a picture of how
well the liver is functioning. Blood clotting properties start in the
liver, so if blood is failing to clot, it's a sign that the liver has
problems.

If liver
cancer is apparent, your veterinarian will recommend a biopsy to learn
as much about the tumor as possible. The biopsy will help the vet
determine if the tumor is malignant or benign. X-rays and ultrasounds
will help the veterinarian pinpoint if the tumor spread from another
area of the body.

Metastatic Liver Tumor in Dogs

Metastatic
liver tumor in dogs come from another area of the body. They can come
from any other organ, often the spleen is one, and there is usually
more than one tumor.

Sometimes,
liver masses are benign and do not need to be removed. If they are
malignant, they will be surgically removed. Chemotherapy and radiation
may be suggested.

Primary Liver Tumor in Dogs

Hepatocellular
carcinoma is the most common primary liver tumor. The tumors do not
spread to other organs, but they do crowd liver tissue. Surgical
removal of the liver tumor and surrounding tissue is generally
recommended. Up to 50 percent of a liver can be safely removed because
healthy tissue will grow back.

With
hepatocellular carcinomas, radiation and chemotherapy are not commonly
used. The tumors rarely respond to those treatments. Surgery usually
removes all the cancerous tissue.